Read the following passage about the The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk: How We Need to Adapt, Protect and Connect and mark the letter A, B,...

Read the following passage about the The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk: How We Need to Adapt, Protect and Connect and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board's latest assessment underscores that pandemic readiness has become the elephant in the room for international health security. As emerging pathogens proliferate while dormant diseases resurface with alarming frequency, nations cannot afford to sit on the fence regarding comprehensive preparedness strategies. [I] The COVID-19 crisis demonstrated catastrophic consequences when countries were caught off guard, necessitating a back-to-basics approach that prioritizes systematic resilience-building across all sectors while ensuring sustainable long-term planning mechanisms.

The first pillar, adaptation, requires governments to recalibrate their pandemic frameworks, addressing contemporary vulnerabilities and emerging technological challenges. Climate fluctuations, rapid urbanization, intercontinental mobility, and zoonotic transmission pathways create unprecedented challenges for global health security systems. Agricultural practices facilitating pathogen spillover, combined with misinformation campaigns and eroding public confidence, amplify societal susceptibility to widespread disease outbreaks. [II] Effective preparedness demands flexible methodologies that evolve alongside emerging threats while incorporating evidence-based scientific research and innovative surveillance technologies.

Protection encompasses fortifying healthcare infrastructure and expanding primary medical services, particularly for marginalized populations facing disproportionate health risks. Building community trust through transparent communication while combating infodemics becomes paramount for maintaining social cohesion during crisis periods. [III] The connecting pillar emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration where governments, health institutions, researchers, and private enterprises must coordinate knowledge-sharing, enhance surveillance systems, and streamline distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and essential supplies through efficient global networks and strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, pandemic preparedness represents an investment in global stability rather than merely a healthcare consideration requiring immediate governmental attention. [IV] The economic disruption witnessed during COVID-19 highlighted how health crises devastate productivity, commerce, and international trade relationships across multiple industries. Strengthening preparedness mechanisms safeguards not only population wellness but also economic resilience and community well-being for future generations. By embracing adaptive strategies, protecting vulnerable constituencies, and fostering international cooperation through multilateral agreements, nations can construct a more secure, resilient world equipped to confront future health emergencies effectively while maintaining sustainable development goals.

https://www.who.int/lk

Question 31: The phrase “back-to-basics” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.

A. build up                                        B. branch out                        C. boil down                                D. scale up